Netanyahu's Circle Condemns Official Release of Rabbi Lando's Controversial Remarks

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's associates expressed strong anger over the official publication of a video and transcript featuring Rabbi Dov Lando's remarks. Sources close to Netanyahu criticized not only the content but also the deliberate manner in which the Rabbi's office prepared and distributed the material to the media. They emphasized that the release was a conscious decision, not an accidental leak.

The timing of the publication was seen as particularly sensitive, coinciding with Netanyahu facing public and political criticism for his efforts to support the ultra-Orthodox community. Netanyahu's team argued that these efforts have come at a significant cost among the general public, reservists, and religious Zionists, and that the video exacerbates divisions by offending those who bear the burden of military service.

The sources noted that Rabbi Lando himself described his comments as a "side remark," questioning why such a statement was included in an official video for public dissemination. They stressed the contradiction of demanding Netanyahu's unwavering defense of the ultra-Orthodox community while simultaneously releasing messages that harm IDF soldiers and deepen societal rifts.

Earlier, Netanyahu issued a sharp condemnation of Rabbi Lando's words, stating, "I strongly reject the shocking remarks against IDF soldiers from the religious Zionist community." He praised all IDF soldiers, religious, secular, and ultra-Orthodox, for risking their lives to protect Israel and called for full support from all sectors, including the Torah world. Netanyahu's advisor, Yonatan Urich, also criticized the remarks, emphasizing zero tolerance for disparaging IDF soldiers and quoting a Talmudic warning to be cautious with words.

In response, Rabbi Lando's office denied any malicious intent, claiming the text was not meant for publication and was mistakenly released by a student. They clarified that the Rabbi's discussion was a halachic debate about the state's involvement in a non-existential war, not a critique of IDF soldiers.